hvac

AC Hose - Low Side

for 2012 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

1.5 h

Tools

Steps

This procedure covers the replacement of the low-side AC hose on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine, including refrigerant recovery, hose removal, installation with new O-rings, and system recharge.

Warnings

⚠️AC system contains refrigerant under high pressure. Always recover refrigerant using proper equipment before disconnecting any AC lines. Venting refrigerant to atmosphere is illegal and dangerous.

⚠️Wear safety glasses and gloves when working with AC system. Refrigerant contact with skin can cause frostbite.

⚠This job requires EPA-certified AC recovery and recharge equipment. If you lack proper certification or equipment, take vehicle to a qualified shop.

⚠Keep all AC fittings clean and free of debris. Contamination will damage the AC compressor.

ℹ️The low-side hose runs from the accumulator/dryer to the compressor suction port. Verify which hose section is leaking before ordering parts.

Tools required

AC refrigerant recovery machineEssential

Torque wrench (10-40 Nm range)Essential

10mm socket and ratchetEssential

12mm socket and ratchetEssential

14mm wrenchEssential

Flare nut wrench setEssential

O-ring pick or hook tool

AC vacuum pumpEssential

AC manifold gauge setEssential

Safety glassesEssential

Nitrile glovesEssential

Parts

AC low-side hose assembly × 1 — 88719-06150 or equivalent OEM
AC line O-rings (various sizes) × 1 — Use OEM O-ring kit
PAG oil (ND-11 or equivalent) × 1 — Use Toyota specification

Fluids

R-134a refrigerant

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Allow engine to cool completely if recently driven
Verify AC system has not been recently serviced (check for service tags)
Gather all tools and new parts including O-rings and PAG oil
Connect AC recovery machine to service ports following machine manufacturer instructions

Procedure

1
Recover AC refrigerant
Using EPA-approved AC recovery equipment, connect to the high and low-side service ports. Follow recovery machine instructions to completely evacuate all refrigerant from the system. Wait until recovery tank pressure stabilizes and machine indicates complete recovery. Document the amount of refrigerant and oil recovered for recharge reference.
2
Disconnect battery negative terminal
Using a 10mm socket, loosen and remove the negative battery cable from the battery terminal. Secure the cable away from the battery to prevent accidental reconnection during the repair.
3
Access low-side AC hose
Remove the plastic engine cover if equipped by pulling upward on the clips. The low-side hose runs from the accumulator/dryer (mounted near the condenser on passenger side) to the compressor suction port. Identify both connection points and inspect the routing. You may need to remove the air intake duct for better access using a Phillips screwdriver.
4
Disconnect hose at accumulator/dryer
Using a flare nut wrench to prevent rounding, carefully loosen the fitting connecting the low-side hose to the accumulator/dryer outlet. Once loose, finish removal by hand. Immediately cap or plug the open accumulator port to prevent moisture and debris entry. Remove and discard the old O-ring from the fitting.
5
Disconnect hose at compressor
Locate the low-side hose connection at the compressor suction port (larger of the two compressor fittings). Using a flare nut wrench, carefully loosen and remove the fitting. Cap or plug the compressor port immediately. Remove and discard the old O-ring from this fitting as well.
6
Remove hose assembly
Note the exact routing and any mounting clips securing the hose. Release any clips or brackets holding the hose in place using appropriate tools. Carefully work the hose free from the engine bay, being careful not to damage surrounding components or wiring harnesses.
7
Prepare new hose assembly
Unpack the new low-side hose and verify it matches the original in configuration and fitting sizes. Install new O-rings on both fittings, ensuring they are the correct size. Lubricate all new O-rings with a light coating of fresh PAG oil (ND-11 or equivalent). Add approximately 15-20ml of PAG oil into the new hose to replace oil lost with the old hose.
8
Install new hose assembly
Route the new hose through the engine bay following the exact path of the original hose. Ensure the hose does not contact any sharp edges, hot surfaces, or moving components. Secure any mounting clips or brackets to hold the hose in proper position with minimal stress on the fittings.
9
Connect hose to compressor
Remove the cap from the compressor suction port. Verify the new O-ring is properly seated and lubricated. Thread the fitting onto the compressor port by hand until snug, ensuring it threads smoothly without cross-threading. Using a torque wrench and appropriate socket, tighten the fitting to specification.
Torque spec
AC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
10
Connect hose to accumulator
Remove the cap from the accumulator/dryer outlet port. Verify the new O-ring is properly seated and lubricated. Thread the fitting onto the accumulator port by hand until snug. Using a torque wrench and flare nut wrench, tighten the fitting to specification.
Torque spec
AC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
11
Reconnect battery
Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten the 10mm nut securely. This allows the AC system to be electrically ready for leak testing and operation after recharge.
12
Vacuum test system
Connect AC vacuum pump to service ports using manifold gauges. Evacuate the system to at least 29 inches of mercury vacuum. Maintain vacuum for minimum 30 minutes, then close valves and shut off pump. Monitor gauges for 15 minutes - vacuum should hold steady, indicating no leaks. If vacuum drops, locate and repair leak before proceeding.
13
Recharge AC system
Using AC recharge equipment, add the correct amount of R-134a refrigerant per the underhood specifications label (typically 16-18 oz for 2.5L Camry, but verify on your specific vehicle). Add refrigerant with engine running and AC on MAX. Monitor pressures using manifold gauges. Low side should read 25-35 PSI and high side 200-250 PSI at idle with ambient temp around 75-80°F.

Reassembly

Reinstall air intake duct if removed, ensuring all connections are secure
Reinstall plastic engine cover if equipped, pressing firmly on all mounting clips
Verify all tools and materials are removed from engine bay
Double-check that both AC line fittings are torqued properly and no caps or plugs were left in the system

Verification

Start engine and turn AC to MAX cold with fan on high
Feel the low-side hose - it should become very cold to the touch within 2-3 minutes
Check center dash vents - air temperature should reach 40-45°F within 5 minutes
Inspect both new fittings for any signs of oil seepage or frost indicating leaks
Listen for proper compressor engagement (clutch should cycle on/off normally)
Use electronic leak detector or soap solution around both new connections to verify no leaks
Monitor AC performance over next few days to ensure system holds charge and cools properly